Latin Hollywood Films (www.lhfilms.tv), in association with Latin Heat Media Institute, a non-profit organization, will host the first Multicultural Television Sizzle Reel Upfronts, a series of industry events designed to spotlight independently-produced, cross-cultural programming for mainstream broadcast networks and advertisers. The invitation-only trade events will take place in New York on Sept. 30th and LA on Oct. 13th.

The Multicultural Television Sizzle Reel Upfronts will present a slate of English-language content with cross-cultural, Hispanic and African-American creatives and talent in categories ranging from drama, sitcom, reality, interactive talk to children’s programming. The events are produced by award-winning actress, and founder and executive producer of Latin Hollywood Films, Kiki Melendez.

“It’s exciting and very timely for us to tell our stories,” said Melendez, who recently directed the critically-acclaimed documentary, “Journey of a Female Comic.” “We want to show the world how we want to be portrayed on mainstream television and make a historical contribution to the future of multicultural talent in Hollywood.”

“I have made it my life’s goal to create universal stories that represent the evolution and diversity of people in this country,” said Yancey Arias. “I am grateful to Kiki for these events that showcase talented Latinos in front and behind the camera.”

The projects were directed by actor and comedian, Paul Rodriguez, as well as Greg Wilson (The Girl Next Door), Erick Crespo (Confessions of A Womanizer), Craig Moss (Bad Ass), and Melendez (Hot Tamales Live!). Writers such as Jon Macks (The Academy Awards) also contributed.

Latin Hollywood Films also tapped television producers Julia Carias-Linares, Lino Garcia, Evette Vargas and Rudy Mella to bring the Multicultural Television Sizzle Reel Upfronts to life. The series is executive produced by Moss, Sarkis Semerjyanand Arson Pananyan from Jear Entertainment LLC. Prestigious Hollywood firm Pierce Law Group LLP served as legal counsel. National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15) celebrates the culture and contributions of American Latinos.